Pin channel headboard

ABSTRACT

A headboard includes multiple pin channels used for mounting furniture pieces and creating modular furniture. The pin channels having a plurality of horizontal pins that are located within the headboard, wherein the pin channels are open in order to hang bed deck and furniture pieces from either side of the headboard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/348,225, filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Case goods sold to institutions (such as schools and colleges, but not limited to) often include furniture consisting of headboards made from wood or metal. Usually the furniture is a bed and the term “headboards” typically includes both headboards and footboards, since they are often identical at least in dimension. Consequently, beds can optionally be stacked atop one another to form bunk beds and save space. Also, in colleges especially, it is common to mount the headboards on extenders so that the bed will be elevated, providing space beneath the bed for furniture pieces such as a variety of storage boxes, bed frames, work surfaces, shelves, wardrobe components and the like.

The construction of integrated headboards and furniture pieces is sometimes referred to as modular furniture, which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. Typically, modular furniture is constructed by mounting beds and furniture pieces directly into the headboards using brackets, screws, bolts, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a body defining a first side and a second side and a set of at least three spaced pin channels operably coupled within the body and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the first side and the second side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the headboard and enable height adjustment of objects operably coupled to at least one of the pin channels

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a modular furniture unit, comprising a first headboard having a first body defining a first exterior side and a first interior side and a set of at least three first spaced pin channels operably coupled within the first headboard and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the first exterior side and the first interior side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the first headboard, a second headboard having a second body defining a second exterior side and a second interior side and where the second headboard is spaced from the first headboard such that the first interior side and the second interior side face each other, the second headboard further includes a set of at least three spaced second pin channels operably coupled within the second headboard and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the second exterior side and the second interior side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the second headboard, and a bed frame spanning between the first interior side of the first headboard and the second interior side of the second headboard and where the bed frame comprises hooks at its first and second ends that are configured to operably couple with at least some of the at least three spaced first pin channels and at least some of the at least three spaced second pin channels and is height adjustable thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headboard having pin channels according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the headboard of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bed frame according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bed frame according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a headboard having pin channels according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a headboard having pin channels according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the headboard of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of headboards of FIG. 7 configured to form a bunk bed.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional enlarged view of a hook assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of headboards of FIG. 7 configured to form modular furniture.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary stabilizer rail that can be utilized in the modular furniture of FIG. 10

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a headboard having pin channels according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary coupling mechanism that can be used in the headboard of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a furniture frame in the form of a headboard 10 having pin channels 16. In the illustrated example, the headboard 10 is made up of a unitary or a single piece 11 of material. By way of non-limiting example, such a single piece 11 can be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, wood, metal, or composite. The configuration of the headboard 10, including, the height H, width W, depth D, crosspieces 22 and resulting open regions 20 is shown here by way of example only. It will be understood that the headboard 10 including the height H, width W, depth D, crosspieces 22 and resulting open regions 20 can be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the crosspieces 22 and resulting open regions 20 can be arranged in any desired configuration for aesthetic or structural preferences. By way of non-limiting examples, crosspieces 22 can be utilized as steps or the open regions 20 can allow access to either side of the headboard 10.

A set of pin channels 16 are included in the headboard 10. The illustrated set of pin channels 16 includes three pin channels 16. It will be understood that while headboard 10 is shown having three pin channels 16, it is possible for the headboard 10 to have more or less than three pin channels 16. For example, additional pin channels 16 could be included depending on the configuration of the crosspieces 22 and resulting open regions 20. Pin channel walls 12 and pins 14 are included in the pin channels 16. The pin channel walls 12 are mounted to the single piece 11 and extend the depth D of the headboard 10. The pin channel walls 12 are spaced apart, creating an open space, or channel 18. A plurality of pins 14 are disposed horizontally within the channel 18. The plurality of pins 14 can be integrally formed with the pin channel walls 12 or otherwise mounted thereto. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the channel 18 and the plurality of pins 14 located therein are accessible from either side of the headboard 10. Pin channels 16 can be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to metal or composite. The pins 14 and pin channel walls 12 may be formed from the same material or different materials.

As illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 3, the pin channel walls 12 can include flanges 12 a extending from an end of the pin channel walls 12. The flanges 12 a can include screw holes 13 a. Screws 13 can be utilized to mount the flanges 12 a, and thus the pin channel walls 12, to one side of the headboard 10. The screws 13 can be covered or camouflaged to make the screws 13 less noticeable.

FIG. 3 also more clearly shows the headboard 10. The headboard 10 accommodates the flanges 12 a within insets 15 located in the single piece 11 that are configured such that the flanges 12 a are disposed on the single piece 11 and are flush with the surfaces of the single piece 11. Openings 17 in the single piece 11 allow for insertion of the pin channel walls 12 and are wide enough to provide space for the channels 18. Screw holes 13 a on flanges 12 a align with screw holes 13 b located on insets 15. It will be understood that not all of the screws 13 are illustrated in the figures for clarity reasons. Alternatively, it will be understood that no flanges need be included and the pin channels 16 can be mounted within the openings 17 to the headboard via the pin channel walls 12 or via any other suitable alternative. The pin channels 16 span most of the height H of the headboard 10, but it is within the scope of the disclosure for the pin channels 16 to span more of the height H or less of the height H.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary bed frames 54 having hooks 46, which can, but need not, be used with headboards 10. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a bed frame 54 comprising a pair of cross supports 56 attached to each end of two single piece side rails 36. The cross supports 56 can be welded to the side rail 36, but can also be attached by using fasteners or by other methods. Preferably, at least one cross support 56 has a lip 57 and support ledge 59 sized roughly equivalent to a width of the side rails 36. Additionally or alternatively, at least one cross support 56 can be angle stock 61. A pair of cross braces 63 serves to keep the side rails 36 roughly parallel. A number of support ledge holes 58 can be created at various spots in the support ledge 42 which can allow a system of springs 60 to be attached through the support ledge holes 58 to the bed frame 54. The system of springs 60 are coils of metal or any other material of any shape that can be drawn between two or more side rails that can support a mattress.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative to the system of springs 60, wherein a series of boards 64 form a foundation in the bed frame 54. The series of boards 64 define a flat support surface that can consist of a single board or multiple boards made out of wood, metal, plastic, or other materials. An indentation or projection 66 can be fabricated in various locations in the side rail 36 to space the boards in the series of boards 64 apart from each other. The indentations 64 can be any elevation made by distorting or adding additional material to a section of the support ledge 42. The series of boards 64 can support a mattress. Lips can be included and prevent the boards and any mattress thereon from moving laterally, retaining them over the bed frame 54.

FIG. 6 shows a headboard 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The headboard 10 and the headboard 110 include like parts, the like parts will be identified with like numerals increasing by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the headboard 10 applies to the headboard 110, unless otherwise noted.

One difference is that the pin channel walls 112 do not have flanges, as can be more clearly seen in the enlarged portion. Instead, the pin channels 116 are located within openings in the single piece 111 and the pin channel walls 112 are mounted to the single piece 111 with bolts 114 a or any other suitable fastener such as screws. The bolts 114 a enter side 124 of the single piece 111 and locate horizontally into the pins 114. It is not necessary for every pin 114 to comprise a bolt 114 a. The bolts 114 a may be spaced evenly along the side 124 of the single piece, or with varying spaces between the bolts 114 as portrayed in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the fasteners can be inserted through the pin channel walls 112 into the side of the opening in the headboard 110.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show another aspect of the present disclosure. Headboard 210 and headboard 10 include like parts, therefore the like parts will be identified with like numerals increasing by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the headboard 10 applies to the headboard 210, unless otherwise noted.

One difference is that the height H of the headboard 210 is greater than that of the headboard 10. The headboard 210 can be used for constructing modular furniture with multiple furniture pieces in the same vertical space including, but not limited to, a variety of storage boxes, bed frames, work surfaces, shelves, and wardrobe components.

FIG. 9 illustrates the headboards of FIG. 7 configured to form a bunk bed 200. The bunk bed 200 comprises headboards 210, bed frames 54, and hooks 46. FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hooks 46 showing the hooks 46 hooked onto a pin 214 of the pin channels 216. Bed frames 54 are hooked onto the pin channels 216 with hooks 46 in the same horizontal position, and are therefore height-adjustable along the pin channels 216 and forming the bunk bed 200. In order to construct a loft bed, only one bed frame 54 is mounted to headboards 210.

FIG. 10 illustrates the headboards of FIG. 7 configured to form modular furniture 205 including a loft bed having added furniture pieces. In addition to the bed frame 54, the furniture pieces include a desk 240, a support bar or stabilizer rail 235, a tray 250, a cubby 280, and insert panels 290 and 292. The insert panels 290 and 292 can be, by way of non-limiting example, press fit inside of the open regions 220. The insert panels 290 and 292 have been illustrated as being flush with the single piece 211 but this need not be the case. The insert panels 290 can be cushioned or tackable or as illustrated with the insert panel 292 can be writable, but are not limited to these examples as the insert panels 290 and 292 can have a variety of features. The furniture pieces hook onto the pin channels 216 in the same way as the bunk bed 200. The configuration of the furniture pieces is not critical to the invention, and is shown here by way of example only. Other examples of configurations can include, no furniture pieces, additional furniture pieces, and also furniture pieces not shown such as work surfaces, shelves, wardrobe components, a lounge, an ottoman, a ladder, a table, or any other suitable furniture pieces.

To construct the modular furniture, furniture pieces such as the desk 240 have hooks and are hung from the pins 214 in the headboard 210. Since the pin channel walls 212 extend the depth D of the frame and are spaced apart, the pin channels 216 are accessible via two opposite sides of the headboard 210 and the furniture pieces can be hung from either side of the headboard 210. Since the pin channels 216 comprise a plurality of pins 214 disposed horizontally within the channel 218, the furniture pieces are height adjustable along the pin channels 216. Moreover, in the case that the headboard 210 comprises three or more pin channels 216 and the furniture pieces hook onto two adjacent pin channels 216, the furniture pieces can be arranged in different horizontal positions (i.e. the right side or left side of the headboard). The accessibility of opposite sides of the headboard 210, the height adjustability of the furniture pieces, and the horizontal positioning of the furniture pieces allows for numerous configurations for the modular furniture without the use of tools.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary stabilizer rail 235 a that can be utilized in the above described modular furniture. One difference is that stabilizer rail 235 a includes a top surface 237 having openings 239. The openings 239 can be shaped in any suitable fashion and provide a catch upon which other pieces of the modular furniture can be hung. An optional cover piece has been illustrated as forming the top surface 237 but need not be included. In the exemplary illustration an alternative desk 240 a has been illustrated as being mounted to the stabilizer rail 235 a via hooks 46 a. It will be understood that openings could be provided on another face of the stabilizer rail 235 a from which alternative modular furniture could be hung.

Further still, a rod can be attached to the stabilizer rail. Such a rod can allow for unlimited positioning options for the other pieces of the modular furniture to be hung.

FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein headboards 10 similar to those described in FIGS. 1-3, are coupled together to construct a taller headboard 310 with a coupling mechanism 370, similar to headboards 210 in FIGS. 2-10. The coupling mechanism 370 may include fasteners such as pins, hooks, bolts, dowels, and the like. Alternatively, the coupling mechanism 370 can include a protrusion extending from the single piece of material forming the lower portion of the headboard 310 into a corresponding opening in the single piece of material forming the upper portion of the headboard 310. While the pieces of material forming the taller headboard 310 are shown as having equal heights it will be understood that this need not be the case.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary coupling mechanism 370 a that can be used to couple vertical headboard bodies as described above. The coupling mechanism 370 a includes an H-shaped body 372 having a set of legs 374. The legs 374 define upper and lower channels 376. Located within each channel and extending from the H-shaped body are pins 378. It will be understood that the coupling mechanism 370 a can be included between the upper and lower portions of the headboard 310 such as at each distal end. The corresponding upper and lower portions of the headboard 310 can be received in the corresponding channels 376 and be configured to be retain on the corresponding pins 378.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A headboard, comprising: a body defining a first side and a second side; a set of spaced pin channels operably coupled within the body and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the first side and the second side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the headboard and enable height adjustment of objects operably coupled to at least one of the pin channels.
 2. The headboard of claim 1 wherein the set of spaced pin channels includes three spaced pin channels.
 3. The headboard of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a set of components that are operably coupled.
 4. The headboard of claim 3 wherein the height of the headboard is configured to provide a lofted bed utilizing two stacked components that are operably coupled.
 5. The headboard of claim 4, further comprising a set of H-shaped connectors configured to operably couple the two stacked components.
 6. The headboard of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a single piece of material.
 7. The headboard of claim 6 wherein the body comprises a set of openings defining a set of crosspieces defined there between.
 8. The headboard of claim 7, further comprising an insert panel configured to fit within at least one opening of the set of openings.
 9. The headboard of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a set of vertical openings and each pin channel of the set of pin channels is located within a corresponding of the set of vertical openings.
 10. The headboard of claim 9 wherein each pin channel further comprises flanges extending perpendicularly from the spaced walls.
 11. The headboard of claim 1 wherein the height of the headboard is configured to provide a single bed or a lofted bed.
 12. A modular furniture unit, comprising: a first headboard having a first body defining a first exterior side and a first interior side and a set of at least three first spaced pin channels operably coupled within the first headboard and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the first exterior side and the first interior side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the first headboard; a second headboard having a second body defining a second exterior side and a second interior side and where the second headboard is spaced from the first headboard such that the first interior side and the second interior side face each other, the second headboard further includes a set of at least three spaced second pin channels operably coupled within the second headboard and where pin channels thereof include spaced walls creating a channel there between with horizontal pins located within the channel, wherein the channel is open to allow access to the horizontal pins from both the second exterior side and the second interior side and wherein the pin channels extend along at least a portion of a height of the second headboard; a bed frame spanning between the first interior side of the first headboard and the second interior side of the second headboard and wherein the bed frame comprises hooks at its first and second ends that are configured to operably couple with at least some of the at least three spaced first pin channels and at least some of the at least three spaced second pin channels and is height adjustable thereon.
 13. The modular furniture unit of claim 12, further comprising a stabilizer rail operably coupled to a rear pin channel of the first pin channels and a rear pin channel of the second pin channels and configured to provide stability to the modular furniture unit.
 14. The modular furniture unit of claim 12 wherein the stabilizer rail comprises a set of openings that are configured to receive hooks of a secondary piece of modular furniture.
 15. The modular furniture unit of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first body or the second body comprises a set of components that are operably coupled.
 16. The modular furniture unit of claim 15 wherein heights of the first headboard and the second headboard are configured to provide a lofted bed utilizing two stacked bodies that are operably coupled.
 17. The modular furniture unit of claim 16, further comprising a set of H-shaped connectors configured to operably couple the two stacked components.
 18. The modular furniture unit of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first body or the second body comprises a single piece of material.
 19. The modular furniture unit of claim 12 wherein heights of the first headboard and the second headboard are configured to provide a single bed or a lofted bed.
 20. The modular furniture unit of claim 12, further comprising a secondary furniture piece operably coupled to one of the first interior side of the first headboard, the first exterior side of the first headboard, the second interior side of the second headboard, or the second exterior side of the second headboard.
 21. The modular furniture of claim 20 wherein the secondary furniture piece includes a desk, a tray, or a cubby. 